Paul Pogba demands urgent investigation into positive doping test | High-stakes blackmail case to be heard in Paris this Friday
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba faces a potential four-year suspension after testing positive for testosterone Pogba, who claims to have been targeted in a blackmail plot, has requested a counter analysis on his doping test The Frenchman's 15-month struggle has pushed him to the brink of quitting football
According to reports from Sky in Italy, Paul Pogba has requested a thorough analysis of his positive doping test. The Juventus midfielder was required to make this request by Thursday evening, regarding a sample that tested positive for testosterone. The analysis is expected to be completed within a week.
If the positive outcome is upheld, the anti-doping prosecution process will commence, leading to three possible outcomes: dismissal, plea bargaining, or trial before a tribunal.
In the event of his eventual conviction, he may be subjected to a two-year ban from football, which could be extended to four years if the substance is explicitly listed and determined to have been consumed intentionally by the anti-doping organization.
Juventus are ready to suspend Pogba's wages if the counter-analysis is positive and proceedings begin, while they can also terminate his contract if he is ultimately banned.
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Paul Pogba re-joined Juve from United last summer and has made eight Serie A appearances so far
Pogba's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, stated in a release to We News: "We cannot comment until the counter analysis is completed. However, it is clear that Paul Pogba has always been committed to abiding by the rules."
Pogba: I almost quit football over alleged blackmail plot
Furthermore, Pogba is scheduled to participate in a hearing taking place in Paris on Friday regarding the ongoing attempted blackmail scheme targeting him, which implicates his brother, Mathias. It should be noted that Mathias vehemently denies any involvement in these allegations.Just days ago, Pogba revealed that he had contemplated abandoning his career in football due to the distress caused by the aforementioned blackmail scandal.
Mathias, the brother of the 30-year-old midfielder, was taken into custody in September 2022 under suspicion of being involved in the alleged scheme. According to Paul, this scheme was an attempt to extort £11.1m from him. However, Mathias was released in December and maintains his innocence by denying the charges.
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Paul Pogba is set to attend a hearing in Paris on Friday regarding an attempted blackmail scheme targeting him and implicating his brother, Mathias, who vehemently denies any involvement. The incident was reported by Pogba to Turin prosecutors in July last year, shortly after his departure from Manchester United and subsequent return to Juventus.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, he expressed his concern about the inherent dangers of wealth. He emphasized that money has the power to drastically alter people, causing rifts within families and even inciting conflict on a larger scale.
At times, he found himself deep in contemplation, yearning for a simpler life devoid of financial abundance. He longed for genuine connections with ordinary individuals who loved him for who he truly was, rather than his fame or fortune.
"It can be challenging at times, but navigating through the ups and downs of life is essential for personal growth and resilience," stated Laure Beccuau, a prosecutor from Paris. She further added that the investigation is currently focusing on accusations of "extortion by an armed group, abduction, and participation in a criminal conspiracy."
Pogba's 15-month struggle
On June 1, 2022, it was officially announced by Manchester United that Pogba would be departing Old Trafford for the second time once his contract expires.In July 2022, reports began to circulate regarding an alleged blackmail plot. Pogba claimed that this plot was an attempt to extort a sum of £11.1m from him and it was reported to the Turin prosecutors.
July 11, 2022 - Joins Juventus for the second time, signing a four-year contract in Turin.
July 26, 2022 - Suffers injury to meniscus that keeps him out for two months.
November, 2022 - Surgery to knee injury rules midfielder out of France's World Cup campaign in Qatar.
February 28, 2023 - Finally makes his second debut for Juve in a 4-2 win against Torino.
March 9, 2023 - Massimiliano Allegri excludes him from the Europa League match against Freiburg due to his tardiness at the team dinner.
March 13, 2023 - Incurs a muscle injury during training, resulting in a month-long absence from the game.
On May 14, 2023, he was given his debut league start against Cremonese, but unfortunately had to be substituted after just 23 minutes due to an injury. A subsequent examination revealed a lesion in his left thigh, bringing an end to his season.
On August 27, 2023, he made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in the second half during a 1-1 draw against Bologna.
September 11, 2023 - Provisionally suspended from football for anti-doping offence.
